Netflix’s library of original films is constantly expanding, but the films they produce are usually quite hit or miss with audiences. Antonio Campos’ The Devil All the Time is certainly no exception, with its mixed audience reviews. The flick is an adaptation of Donald Ray Pollock’s novel of the same title. Considering the hit or miss nature of Netflix original films, this one greatly surprised me.

The Devil All the Time is beautifully shot, with great cinematography from award-nominated cinematographer, Lol Crawley. The film’s effects are realistic but disturbingly detailed. There’s great attention to detail for the mid-1900’s Ohio setting. Religious symbolism is spread throughout the entirety of the film, as religion plays a huge role in the story. Crosses and prayer are especially important symbols to the plot.

The film shows an unnerving amount of corruption surrounding religion and society in Knockemstiff, Ohio, as well as the various locations The Devil All the Time explores. Religion is shown to make people commit violent and inappropriate actions. Society is portrayed as brutal and cruel by nature. Both of these principles of corruption are displayed in tragic family moments and violent crimes. Conflicts in this film are dealt with using terrible violence. Tom Holland’s character Arvin definitely experiences the worst of religion and society throughout his life.

The setting of The Devil All the Time is all over the place, and it’s not the most linear story. The film often jumps back and forth between different time periods, which was confusing for a while. The story also branches into other subplots, but this really works in favor of the film, as they eventually connect back into the much bigger and greater plot. Campos utilized these subplots to focus on important characters, which makes up for the nonlinearity of the story.

Stellar performances come from most of the main cast. Tom Holland does a so-so Southern accent, but his acting as Arvin Russell throughout the film is excellent. Bill Skarsgård and Eliza Scanlen gave emotional performances, while Sebastian Stan, Jason Clarke, and Robert Pattinson gave jerky, obnoxious performances to fit their roles. The narration of The Devil All the Time is done by the original novel’s author, Donald Ray Pollock, and it’s truly fantastic.

Overall, Antonio Campos’ The Devil All the Time is definitely not a cheerful film, but it’s one of Netflix’s best original films. Through great symbolism and themes, the hard-hitting tragedies, and the superb cast, this story remains depressing but very beautifully told. While the year 2020 has delayed countless films, The Devil All the Time is most definitely one of the few movies this year that’s worth watching.